Department of Engineering

Engineering and Biological Sciences Building (EBS)
Office 2101, Phone: (270) 745-2461, Fax: (270) 745-5856

Dr. Julie Ellis, Head

Professors: C. Byrne, M. Dettman, J. Ellis,  A. Ernest, J. Lenoir, S. Wilson
Associate Professors: M. Cambron, W. Campbell, R. Choate, W. Collett, S. Palmquist, K. Schmaltz
Assistant Professors: R. Gallagher, M. McIntyre
Professor Emeritus: J. Russell

Greulich Professor in Electrical Engineering:   M. McIntyre
Kenneth E. and Irene S. Hall Professor in Civil Engineering: W. Campbell
James L. "Bud" Layne Professor in Mechanical Engineering: J. Lenoir
James D. Scott Professorship in Civil Engineering: M. Dettman

Engineers turn dreams into reality. Engineering is the process of designing solutions to real world problems using mathematical and scientific principles. It merges creative thinking with analytical skills to create systems and processes such as automobiles, buildings, bridges, computers, electrical systems, manufacturing processes, and software. Engineering is a primary difference between our modern world and primitive societies.

The engineering programs at Western Kentucky University are dedicated to teaching the practice of engineering to undergraduate students in a project-based environment. Beginning with the first freshman class and progressing through the last senior class, engineering students at WKU engage in the practice of engineering under the instruction and guidance of degreed, practicing engineers. Engineering at WKU differs from most other institutions because its faculty is dedicated exclusively to undergraduate engineering education and to engaging students in the practice of engineering without the requirement of supervising graduate research. Many studies have shown that the educational methodologies employed by engineering faculty at WKU are not only the most enjoyable and interesting for students; they are also a more effective way to learn engineering.

The Department of Engineering offers Bachelor of Science degrees in the following areas:

• Civil Engineering (reference number 534)
• Electrical Engineering (reference number 537)
• Mechanical Engineering (reference number 543)

The programs in civil engineering and mechanical engineering are offered jointly with the University of Kentucky. The program in electrical engineering is offered jointly with the University of Louisville.

The Department of Engineering offers a minor in electrical engineering (reference number 354), land surveying (reference number 405), and floodplain management (reference number 361).            

Department Mission:
The mission of the Department of Engineering is to produce, as its graduates, competent engineering practitioners.

An engineering practitioner is one who has a foundation of basic science, mathematics, and engineering knowledge, combined with practical knowledge and experience in applying existing technology to contemporary problems. Realization of the departmental mission requires that the design of courses and curricula and the activities of the faculty create opportunities for students to understand and gain competence as engineering practitioners.

In addition to its primary mission, the department adds value to the university and the community through the activities of its students and faculty.

Engineering projects, developed and directed by faculty, in the various disciplines of the department create an important avenue through which the technical capability of the community is expanded. Faculty and student service on boards and to agencies and other entities provides valuable enrichment to the community.

To fulfill the departmental missions, the department must be characterized by the following:

• Program curricula will establish an understanding of fundamental engineering concepts. The curricula will provide an opportunity for students to obtain a sufficient depth of fundamental knowledge to support lifelong learning in the field of study.
• Programs will be baccalaureate-driven. The primary purpose is to prepare undergraduates for entry-level positions upon graduation. Preparation for advanced study will be achieved in each program but is of secondary importance.
• Programs will be regionally relevant. While prepared to be competitive in any market, graduates will be well prepared to begin productive careers as practitioners in regional industries.
• Program curricula will be project-based. Students will have sufficient opportunity to engage in project activities to support development of a clear understanding of engineering practice. The roles of students – as learners, as observers, as assistants, and as practitioners – should be supported by project activities that clearly demonstrate the practice of engineering. Projects that provide opportunity to accomplish design, development, and implementation should be available.
• Faculty of the department will be practitioners. Scholarship of the faculty will be engineering practice and will be conducted in the context of the departmental programs and students. Documentation of faculty productivity will be produced in the manner and form expected by the university of all faculty.

Details of the curriculum and course information can be found at http://www.wku.edu/engineering or by contacting the Department of Engineering.

Major in Civil Engineering
Program Coordinator: S. Palmquist

Civil engineers design a better world in which to live. They design, build, and maintain our nation’s infrastructure. Some of the things that civil engineers design include:  roads and bridges; buildings and foundations; water supply and waste-water facilities; storm water management systems; and environmental protection facilities.

The civil engineering program at WKU focuses on construction, geotechnical engineering, construction materials, structures, surveying, and hydraulics/hydrology.

The major in civil engineering (reference number 534) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. This degree is jointly offered by Western Kentucky University and University of Kentucky for students in residence at WKU. 

The curriculum requires a minimum of 65 technical specialty hours, completion of general education hours, and additional hours for math and science requirements. Students in the joint civil engineering program are required to obtain 16 credit hours in the major from University of Kentucky (UK) faculty members via live interactive televised courses (ITV courses) at Western Kentucky University. Students completing this requirement would typically take the following ITV courses to obtain the required 16 credits hours from UK faculty members: EM 302, CE 341, CE 331, CE 351, and CE 490.

Students are admitted as a pre-major in civil engineering. In order to transition from pre-major to major and to graduate with a degree in civil engineering, students must complete the following courses with a GPA of 2.5 in these courses and a grade of "C" or better in each of the following courses:  CE 175, AMS 163, ENG 100, HIST 119 or 120, GEOL 111 and 113, CE 160 and 161, COMM 145 or 161, MATH 126, MATH 227, PHYS 250 and 251, and CHEM 120 and 121.

After satisfying the requirements to transition from pre-major to major in civil engineering, the students must have a grade of “C” or better in all of the following courses:  all civil engineering courses; all technical electives; EM 221 or 222; and EM 302 or 303.

In addition, each student is required to have a 2-course sequence in four (4) different civil engineering areas. The required courses (non technical electives) already include a 2-course sequence in structures, geotechnical engineering , and construction.  Therefore, each student must select one of the technical electives to cover an additional area such as surveying, materials, environmental engineering, hydrology, or transportation. Also, students are required to take CE 482 or take CE 383 and CE 384.  If CE 482 is taken, this course counts as the required structures elective.  If CE 383 and CE 384 are taken, the first course counts as the required structures elective and the second course counts as a technical elective.  Students may not receive credit for both CE 482 and CE 383 or for both CE 482 and CE 384. For more information, please see the “Civil Engineering Handbook” and/or contact your advisor.    

Civil Engineering Program Mission:
The mission of the civil engineering program is to prepare students for professional engineering and management positions in all phases of civil engineering projects.

The program will provide a broad educational background with a foundation in basic engineering and business principles. These basic skills will be complemented by advanced topics in engineering design, management, finance, computer applications, and real world civil engineering experiences throughout the baccalaureate degree program.

The civil engineering program will fulfill the overall mission of the Department of Engineering and will also meet the following goals:

• Understanding of fundamental engineering concepts that nurture problem solving abilities.
• Knowledge of basic civil engineering skills to prepare graduates for immediate productivity upon graduation.
• A background in management skills as they relate to working with financial matters as well as with people from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to communicate ideas, processes, and designs effectively.

The teaching philosophy of this program will focus on project-based learning. This will be achieved by placing competent, practicing engineers in the classroom as professors, engaging students in the practice of civil engineering through hands-on class projects, and involving students in faculty consulting and applied research activities. Real engineering projects will often serve as class projects. Project sites and professional engineering and construction management firm offices will often serve as classrooms.

The program achieves its mission by focusing on specific educational objectives. They are:

Objective 1: Engineering Design
Graduates solve engineering problems and develop executable designs. They combine their understanding of technical, ethical, economic, and environmental issues to efficiently solve engineering problems and develop designs that are executable and realistically constructible.

Suggested Program of Study

(A-F) denotes General Education Category

Major in Electrical Engineering
Program Coordinator: M. Cambron

Electrical engineering is an exciting field that touches virtually every aspect of life in the twenty-first century. For example, electrical engineers design and improve communication such as computer and information systems, cell phones, etc. Also, electrical engineers improve the efficiency of tasks with advancements in robotics and electrical systems. Electrical engineers are employed in a variety of industries including the power industry and the manufacturing sector where tasks can range from controlling a process to designing a component or system. Our electrical engineering curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics to prepare them for careers as electrical engineers.

The major in electrical engineering (reference number 537) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Due to the nature of the curriculum, a math minor is included in the program of study. This degree is jointly offered by Western Kentucky University and University of Louisville for students in residence at Western.

The curriculum requires a minimum of 63-65 technical specialty hours and 27 semester hours of required science and mathematics courses.

Academic Standards for the WKU/UofL Joint Electrical Engineering Program
Students are admitted as a pre-major in Electrical Engineering. In order to transition from the pre-major to major and to graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, students must complete the following courses with a GPA of 2.5 in these courses and a grade of “C” or better in each course.

• EE 175 - University Experience (EE 101 for transfer students) 2/1 hours
• ENG 100 - Freshman English 3 hours
• HIST 119 or 120 - Western Civilization 3 hours
• COMM 145 or 161 - Public or Business Speaking 3 hours
• MATH 126 - Calculus and Analytical Geometry I 4.5 hours
• MATH 227 - Calculus and Analytical Geometry II 4.5 hours
• style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>         EE 180 - Digital Circuits 4 hours
• PHYS 255/256 - University Physics I and Lab 5 hours
• PHYS 265 - University Physics II 4 hours
• CS 239 – Problem Solving Comp Tech 3 hours

In addition, each student’s transcript must have at least 16 hours of EE credit in the major taught by a UofL faculty member.

Electrical Engineering Program Mission:
The mission of our Electrical Engineering Program at WKU is to build a foundation of knowledge in electrical engineering by integrating a variety of project experiences at every level throughout the curriculum.

Our program is to be relevant to our region and to produce graduates who can immediately contribute to the profitability of their employer.

• Practical problem solvers with abstract thinking skills.
• Life-long learners capable of building their careers upon a solid foundation of knowledge.
• Competent in communicating technical materials and concepts in individual and group situations.
• Able to apply with confidence the basic sciences and mathematics to their professional activities, and
• Acclimated to individual and team project activities based upon numerous experiences relating to our project-based, industry-related curriculum.

Our faculty must be:

• Excellent teachers
• Competent in their profession as engineers, and
• Capable of integrating projects into all aspects of our engineering curriculum to the extent practicable.

The program achieves its mission by focusing on specific educational objectives. They are:

Objective 1: Our graduates are prepared to pursue successful and productive engineering careers and are technically competent with the ability to analyze and solve electrical engineering problems.

Objective 2: Our graduates are application-oriented problem solvers, accomplishing solutions through sound engineering and economic practice.

Objective 3: Our graduates are involved in continuing professional development and lifelong learning.

Objective 4: Our graduates practice engineering in a professional manner demonstrating an awareness of legal and ethical responsibilities.

Objective 5: Our graduates have the ability to effectively communicate their ideas and designs.

Suggested Program of Study

(A-F) Denotes General Education Category

Minor in Electrical Engineering
The minor in electrical engineering (reference number 354) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours in electrical engineering.  The required courses include EE 210 and EE 211.  Students, with the approval of an EE advisor, select additional electrical engineering courses to complete the minor; at least 11 hours must be at the 300-level or above.  Students majoring in electrical engineering cannot earn a minor in electrical engineering.  EE 350 does not count towards the EE minor.

Major in Mechanical Engineering
Program Coordinator: J. Lenoir

Mechanical engineers are involved in designing and building almost everything that is needed in our modern world, from nearly invisible electro-mechanical devices to enormous power generating and distributing systems producing millions of horsepower. Mechanical engineers use scientific principles from the physical world to create a tremendous variety of mechanical and thermal systems. Practicing mechanical engineers use these principles to design, analyze, manufacture and maintain systems that include:

• automobiles and aircraft
• heating and cooling systems
• electric power plants
• specialized materials
• manufacturing plants
• industrial equipment and machinery

Mechanical engineers need a solid understanding of engineering science, which includes mechanics, engineering materials, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. The program at Western focuses on these sciences as well as design and professional skills necessary for a successful career in mechanical engineering.

The major in Mechanical Engineering (reference number 543) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. This degree is jointly offered by WKU and the University of Kentucky for students in residence at Western. The curriculum requires a minimum of 71 technical specialty hours, 46.5 hours of general education and 23.5 semester hours for other requirements. A minimum grade of “C” is required in courses of the major, and mathematics and science courses.

The major in Mechanical Engineering (reference number 543) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. This degree is jointly offered by WKU and the University of Kentucky for students in residence at Western. The curriculum requires a minimum of 67-68 technical specialty hours, completion of required general education, and 23.5 semester hours of required mathematics and science.

Academic Standards for the WKU/UK Joint Mechanical Engineering Program
Students are admitted as a Pre-Major in Mechanical Engineering. In order to transition from Pre-Major to Major and to graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, students must earn a GPA of 2.5 in the following courses and a grade of "C" or better in each course in the list. This requirement must be completed before enrolling in ME 300:  Junior Design.

• ME 175: University Experience 2/1hrs (or ME 176 for transfers)
• ENG 100: Freshman English 3 hrs
• HIST 119 or 120: Western Civilization 3 hrs
• COMM 145 or 161: 3 hrs
• MATH 126: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 4.5 hrs
• MATH 227: Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 4.5 hrs
• ME 180: Freshman Design II 3 hrs
• PHYS 250/251: University Physics I 4 hrs and Laboratory
• CHEM 120/121: College Chemistry I 5 hrs and Laboratory
• ME 240/241: Materials and Methods of Manufacturing 4 hrs

TOTAL 36/35 hrs

After satisfying the requirements to transition from Pre-Major to Major in Mechanical Engineering, the students must also earn a grade of C or better in the following courses required for the major:  EM 221, 303, ME 200, 220, 310, 330, 347, MATH 327, 331.

Each mechanical engineering student’s transcript must include at least 16 hours of credit in the major taught by UK faculty members.

Each mechanical engineering student must also take at least one mathematics elective.   This elective must meet three criteria:

• It must be a course offered by the Department of Mathematics.
• It must not be a course repeating subject matter already covered in a required course.
• It must be of a level greater than or equal to the required courses in mathematics.

Mechanical Engineering Program Mission:
The mechanical engineering program produces graduates who are well prepared for the start of productive, successful careers as practicing engineers.

Our graduates will have a strong competitive advantage with their unique background of engineering fundamentals combined with practical knowledge and experience.

The mechanical engineering program will provide a project-based, learner-driven environment relevant to the needs of our region. In support of this learning environment, the professional engineering activities of the faculty will create opportunities for the students to practice the art and science of contemporary Mechanical Engineering.

The program achieves its mission by focusing on specific educational objectives. They are:

Technical

• Our graduates demonstrate competence in the use of scientific, technical, and professional skills for the practice of Mechanical Engineering.
• Our graduates have demonstrated the ability to identify problem causation and have implemented practical, application-oriented solutions.
• Our graduates have demonstrated the ability to find additional knowledge necessary to solve unfamiliar problems.

Professional

• Our graduates exhibit excellent two-way communication skills (written, oral, visual, and graphical) with a wide variety of audiences.
• Our graduates have demonstrated ethical professional behavior and a comprehension of the breadth of the Engineer’s professional roles and responsibilities.

Societal

• Our graduates have adapted to an ever-changing world by engaging in life-long learning and professional development activities.
• Our graduates have contributed to their region’s economic development through their professional practice.

Suggested Program of Study

Minor in Floodplain Management
Minor Coordinator: W. Campbell

This minor has been coordinated with the Geography and Geology Department and with the Kentucky Association of Mitigation Manager. The Floodplain Management minor (reference number 361) requires completion of at least 21 semester hours including 13 core hours taken by all students and an additional 8 hours of electives. At least six hours of the minor must be taken from classes not counting toward completion of the major. The minor will provide students with basic knowledge and skills needed to implement and administer flood mitigation and recovery programs. Students will develop familiarity with federal floodplain management regulations, the National Flood Insurance Program, hydrology, surveying, and tools such as Geographic Information Systems that are critical to administering an aggressive floodplain management program. Completion of the minor requires familiarity with all aspects of floodplain management and with the impacts of floods on individuals, on property, and on regional or national economics. Students successfully completing the program must have passed the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) exam. The CFM is a nationally recognized certification and is considered a desirable qualification by many employers. Required courses for the minor are CE 160/161, CE 300, GEOG 318 (required for engineering students, GEOG 317 may be substituted for geography/geology students), and CE 461 or GEOG/GEOL 310. A minimum of 8 semester hours of electives must be selected from GEOG 121, 207, 208, 209, 391, 414, 433, 416, 417, 419, 437 and 438. GEOG/GEOL 420, GEOG 422, 424, 426, 427, 431, 445, 455, 474, 477, GEOL 111, 113, CE 351, CE 380/381, CE 461 and CE 480/481.

For students majoring in civil engineering, a suggested sequence of courses for completion of this minor is:  CE 160 and 161, CE 380 and 381, GEOG 121, GEOG 208, CE 300, GEOG 318, and CE 461.

For students majoring in geography or geology, a suggested sequence of courses for completion of this minor is: GEOG 121, GEOG 208, CE 160 and 161, GEOG 318, CE 300, GEOG 310, and GEOG 414.

Minor in Land Surveying
Minor Coordinator: R. Gallagher

The land surveying minor (reference number 405) will provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills needed to accomplish land surveying tasks for entry-level employment. These tasks include boundary surveys, topographic mapping, leveling, stakeouts, traversing, field note taking, distance and angle measurements, plus proper techniques and use of surveying equipment (total stations, theodolites, EDMs, and levels).

The following courses are currently required for the land surveying minor (26 hours): AMS 163, CE 160 and 161, CE 380 and 381, CE 378 and 379, GEOG 316, and GEOG 317 or 318, and GEOG 414.

Certificate in Land Surveying
Undergraduate students majoring in civil engineering or post-graduate students with baccalaureate degrees in civil engineering, mining, or agricultural engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology ( ABET) may obtain a Certificate in Land Surveying in order to pursue licensure as a professional surveyor in the state of Kentucky by completing the following courses (15 hours): AMS 163, CE 160 and 161, CE 380 and 381, and CE 378 and 379.

Post-graduate students with baccalaureate degrees in majors other than civil engineering, mining or agricultural engineering may obtain a Certificate in Land Surveying in order to pursue licensure as a professional surveyor in the state of Kentucky by completing the same courses as listed for the minor in land surveying (26 hours).  See minor in land surveying.